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FPDA a stabilising force in Indo-Pacific

KUALA LUMPUR: The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) continues to prove an effective mechanism to check the unpredictable 'climate' in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said it was undeniable that the FPDA acted as a stabilising force within the region.

"In fact, as a collective of five nations we have demonstrated that as partners (in) the past five decades, and in holding the largest annual regional multilateral exercises, we are committed to collectively maintain peace and stability in the region inclusively.

"FPDA is playing a crucial role in facing the post-pandemic challenges and (it) is about to embark on another decade of an exciting journey to better respond to the complex regional security landscape.

"In this regard, the 'FPDA 50th Anniversary Stock-Take' will guide this arrangement towards a greater level of friendship and cooperation.

"The strategic direction entailed in the stock-take will allow the FPDA to embark on a new mission of high-end conventional warfighting through the introduction of fifth generation of assets, introduce information and cybersecurity progressively.

"It will enhance missions in counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and improve communication and tools to support the evolution of FPDA exercises," he said.

Hishammuddin added that this would prepare the FPDA to be more resilient against emerging security challenges derived from the perpetual geopolitical dynamism, rapid technological advancements and the ongoing pandemic.

"Underpinned by a solid foundation, it is my hope that the FPDA will continue to nurture relationships, enhance capacity, and reinforce interoperability in a strategic and constructive manner towards a more auspicious outlook for the region.

"The stock-take of the FPDA these past five decades will outline its goals towards the next fifty years, as the challenges offer the pact new opportunities towards being more resilient, agile, proactive, in-tune and relevant.

"In view of the shift in geopolitical dynamics, the FPDA has taken stock of the current cyber security scenario to equip its stakeholders with fifth-generation assets, formulate a 10-year plan for joint-exercises and activities, exchange views on emerging security challenges and regional defence cooperation, and adopt the 50th FPDA anniversary stock-take," he said in his keynote address at the "11th FPDA Defence Ministers' Meeting" and "50th FPDA Anniversary" celebration at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Sultan Ismail here.

Participating virtually were the defence ministers of three of the other four nations: Singapore's Dr Ng Eng Hen; Australia's Peter Dutton; and, New Zealand's Peeni Henare; as well as the United Kingdom's Armed Forces Minister James Heappey.

Those who attended the event physically were Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang and the Headquarters Integrated Area Defence System commander Air Vice-Marshal Geoffrey Harland of Australia. Singaporean armed forces chief Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat attended the event virtually.

The event also saw virtual video messages from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his counterparts from Singapore Lee Hsien Loong , UK Boris Johnson, Australia Scott Morrison and New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.

Hishammuddin said as an institution rooted in mutual trust and understanding, the FPDA was a testament of growth since its formation in 1971 towards the external defence of Malaysia and Singapore.

"It has provided us with a solid foundation that contributed to the endurance of close partnership, trust, and commitment.

"Since then, the FPDA has grown by leaps and bounds to emerge as the world's second-oldest military arrangement," he said.

In affirming the continued commitment by all five nations, Hishammuddin said the FPDA was guided by the "3R principles" of "Remit, Relevant and Reassurance".

"The '50th FPDA Stock-Take' provides future direction on its strategic priorities, organisational processes and structure, and activity plans.

"The FPDA defence ministers agreed for the pact to focus on continuing high-end warfighting serials with the introduction of fifth-generation assets; enhancing the mission of counter-terrorism and maritime security of non-traditional domains; introducing cyber security progressively into FPDA exercises; and continuing the observership programme as a way to enhance transparency and reassurance with regional partners," he said.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the FPDA this year successful conducted several joint exercises, namely "Bersama Shield" in April, "Suman Warrior" in July and the just-concluded "Bersama Gold" this month.

Hishammuddin noted that the "Bersama Gold 2021" exercise was exclusively designed to mark the 50th FPDA anniversary, and was also the first contactless field training exercise executed in a Covid-19 safe environment.

"The continuation of this exercise even during a pandemic is proof that the FPDA remains resilient and is able to adapt and overcome any challenges."

Hishammuddin added that the FPDA could be encapsulated in three facets.

"Firstly, a more inter-connected approach of activities and exercises in conventional war fighting as well as non-traditional domains - such as terrorism, maritime security and HADR - has improved our collective armed forces' capacities, professionalism, and interoperability over time.

"Secondly, our activities have helped further develop and strengthen cooperation among partner-nations.

"The close defence ties we share among FPDA members have facilitated both military-to-military cooperation, as well as enhancing bilateral relations.

"Thirdly, the guidance provided by the Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (ANZUK) forces have helped improve the capabilities and professionalism of the Malaysian and Singapore armed forces."

He noted that the shared security interests and political commitments were testament to the FPDA's perseverance as a relevant and reliable multilateral defence framework.

"Our continued commitment to collaborating in conventional and non-conventional security domains is what keeps us in pace with the ever-evolving challenges in our region amid heightened global uncertainties," he said.

Meanwhile, Ng said the FPDA demonstrated that no single country could face the regional threats alone.

"The FPDA was founded at a very young era and has grown into a capable defence deterrence with capable militaries, with the cooperation with Asean nations.

"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and environmental security threats, it has done well as a responsive and robust pact.

"The pact has dismissed suspicion among member nations and we must maintain our strategic pillar of strength for a safe, prosperous, secure region for decades to come," he said.

Heappey said the collaboration with countries like the United States and Canada augured well for intelligence gathering.

Meanwhile, Dutton said the Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS) pact allowed for sharing of military capabilities in view of the rapid changes in the region.

"The pact allows us to complement our operational network and collective efforts to ensure nations in the Indo-Pacific are free from coercion.

"It underpins for a continued secure and stable region," he said.

During the event, Hishammuddin launched the 50th FPDA anniversary video and memorabilia comprising a book, coin, and stamps.

To reaffirm the partner-nations' commitment towards the pact, the defence ministers also virtually signed the 11th FPDA Defence Ministers Meeting's joint declaration to symbolise and commemorate their enduring partnership within a constructive regional security architecture.

Hishammuddin and the dignitaries later viewed a commemorative fly-past of fighter jets from the five FPDA nations at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang.

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